Newcastle United has placed Joao Palhinha on its transfer shortlist as the club seeks experienced reinforcements for its midfield. The move comes as the team continues to pursue a deal for Marseille's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and aims to fill the void left by the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Talks regarding Hojbjerg are ongoing, with a transfer fee in the region of £13 million potentially being finalized in the coming 48 hours. The 31-year-old Danish international has reportedly expressed interest in joining Newcastle, and new head coach Matthias Jaissle views him as a potential organizer for the team's young midfield.
Palhinha, also 31, is another option being considered by Newcastle. Aston Villa has also shown interest in the Bayern Munich midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham. Newcastle values Palhinha's experience, seeing him as a player who fits the profile of a more seasoned addition to complement younger arrivals like Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Newcastle's sporting director, Ross Wilson, is prioritizing the acquisition of a midfielder and a full-back. Further signings will depend on Jaissle's assessment of the squad's needs after these initial additions.
In other squad news, midfielder Joe Willock is expected to move to Besiktas if the Turkish club meets Newcastle's asking price. Goalkeeper Nick Pope has also been informed he can leave, with Ipswich and Celtic reportedly monitoring his situation, although no formal offers have been received.
Regarding player fitness, midfielder Lewis Miley is anticipated to be available for Newcastle's season opener against Liverpool, having recovered from a broken leg. However, defender Tino Livramento is not expected to be fit for the opening match. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation in the United States for a calf injury sustained during international duty at the World Cup. Livramento could potentially return to play on the second weekend of the campaign, possibly against Tottenham.